Package handler vs merchandise handler

The differences between package handlers and merchandise handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a package handler has an average salary of $32,785, which is higher than the $31,855 average annual salary of a merchandise handler.

The top three skills for a package handler include warehouse environment, load trailers and delivery truck. The most important skills for a merchandise handler are basic math, math, and pallets.

Package handler vs merchandise handler overview

	Package Handler	Merchandise Handler
Yearly salary	$32,785	$31,855
Hourly rate	$15.76	$15.31
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	93,831	47,657
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 43%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

What does a package handler do?

A package handler's primary duty is to place and load correct packages to delivery vehicles and review inventory upon shipments. Package handlers are responsible for analyzing product labels to make sure that the items are accurately processed. A package handler should also have basic knowledge on running warehouse equipment and loading tools to finish the task more efficiently. Package handlers must be able to communicate with other personnel for any concerns that might affect the parcel condition and customer's satisfaction.

What does a merchandise handler do?

A merchandise handler deals with inventory and merchandise for shipment to ecommerce customers. This position requires familiarity with all computer technology used in processing the merchandise. The duties of this position are accurately recording the movement of merchandise, operating merchandise handling equipment, confirming the quantity of inventory, and handling the merchandise with care to avoid damage. They also need to ensure the customer has quality experience with every order.

Package handler vs merchandise handler salary

Package handlers and merchandise handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Package Handler	Merchandise Handler
Average salary	$32,785	$31,855
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $41,000	Between $26,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City	Saint Paul, MN	Taunton, MA
Highest paying state	Minnesota	Hawaii
Best paying company	ALDI USA	The RealReal
Best paying industry	Retail	Retail

Differences between package handler and merchandise handler education

There are a few differences between a package handler and a merchandise handler in terms of educational background:

	Package Handler	Merchandise Handler
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 43%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Package handler vs merchandise handler demographics

Here are the differences between package handlers' and merchandise handlers' demographics:

	Package Handler	Merchandise Handler
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6%	Male, 60.3% Female, 39.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 5.9% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between package handler and merchandise handler duties and responsibilities

Package handler example responsibilities.

Attach slings, ropes, or cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, or bundles.
Read GPS maps for your driving directions.
Operate sit down forklift for loading, unloading and running material.
License to operate MHE (forklifts, tractors, etc . )
Load grind and air shipments onto designate trailers using sit down forklift.
Conduct post inspections to ensure guard force personnel proficiency and level of alertness.

Merchandise handler example responsibilities.

Clean and maintain the warehouse in compliance with OSHA standards.
Make visual evaluations and floor moves while maintaining OSHA guidelines.
Process incoming merchandise shipments by unpacking products, moving items in WMS, steaming clothing, and stocking shelves.
Transport pallets to where they need to go in the store to insure products are stocked up properly for customer needs.
Distribute production materials to designate locations on assembly lines observing the first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory control practice.
Greet customers while bagging their groceries, collect carts in parking lot, put away return items, general sanitation.

Package handler vs merchandise handler skills

Common package handler skills

Warehouse Environment, 25%
Load Trailers, 10%
Delivery Truck, 9%
Safety Procedures, 9%
Load Packages, 8%
Load Trucks, 7%

Common merchandise handler skills

Basic Math, 21%
Math, 17%
Pallets, 11%
Hand Tools, 10%
Purchase Orders, 6%
Hand Trucks, 6%

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Transportation Industry
Package Handler
Package Handler vs Merchandise Handler

Updated January 8, 2025

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